summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create The Mississippi Smoke-free Air Act Of 2025; To Express Certain Legislative Findings Regarding The Effects Of Secondhand Smoke And Other Risks Of Smoking; To Define Certain Terms; To Prohibit Smoking In Enclosed Public Places And Places Of Employment, In Private Clubs, In Enclosed Residential Facilities And In Certain Outdoor Public Places And Places Of Employment; To Authorize Persons To Voluntarily Designate Areas Within Their Control As Smoke-free Places; To Prescribe The Minimum Requirements For Persons In Control Of Areas To Be In Compliance With This Act; To Require Persons In Control Of Areas To Post "no Smoking" Signs At All Entrances To Areas Where Smoking Is Prohibited; To Authorize The State Board Of Health To Adopt Rules And Regulations To Implement This Act; To Provide For Enforcement Of This Act; To Authorize Certain Officials And Other Persons To Apply For Injunctive Relief In Court To Enforce The Act; To Provide Penalties For Violations; To Allow Political Subdivisions To Adopt Local Ordinances Relating To Smoking That Are More Restrictive Than This Act; To Direct The State Department Of Health To Engage In A Continuing Program To Explain And Clarify The Purposes And Requirements Of This Act To Citizens Affected By It, And To Guide Owners, Operators And Managers In Their Compliance With It; To Repeal Sections 29-5-160 Through 29-5-163, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Are The Mississippi Clean Indoor Air Act; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill aims to create the Mississippi Smoke-Free Air Act of 2025, which comprehensively prohibits smoking in various public and private spaces to protect people from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The legislation defines smoking broadly to include traditional tobacco products and e-cigarettes, and applies to almost all enclosed public places, workplaces, private clubs, and certain outdoor areas. Key provisions include banning smoking within 20 feet of building entrances, in all enclosed employment spaces, in hotels and nursing home rooms, and in outdoor areas like playgrounds and restaurant seating areas. The bill requires businesses to post "No Smoking" signs, remove ashtrays, and communicate smoking prohibitions to employees. Violations can result in fines ranging from $50 for individuals smoking in prohibited areas to up to $500 for businesses that repeatedly fail to enforce the ban. The legislation is backed by extensive research highlighting the health risks of secondhand smoke, including increased risks of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems, and is designed to protect public health by creating smoke-free environments. The act allows local jurisdictions to implement even stricter smoking regulations and will take effect on July 1, 2025, replacing the previous Mississippi Clean Indoor Air Act.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0361.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0300-0399/HB0361IN.htm |
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